The xylophone is a timeless instrument, known for its distinctive, icy sound that resembles the striking of bones or ice. Its history stretches back to the 14th century, with origins in Africa, Java, and Indonesia. By the 16th century, it had reached Europe, initially being referred to as a wooden percussion instrument. Over time, the xylophone underwent various refinements and developments, eventually being recognized as a solo instrument in the 19th century. Russian performer Anton Gutkov’s skillful xylophone performances in the 1830s particularly brought the instrument into the limelight, captivating composers and audiences alike.
Materials and Tools
Before embarking on the construction process, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials and tools. For the xylophone keys, select a dense hardwood such as rosewood, ebony, or mahogany. These materials are known for their durability and resonant qualities. Additionally, you’ll need tools such as a table saw, safety glasses, ear protection, a belt sander or thickness planer, a drill, wood glue, screws or dowels for joinery, and a mallet-making kit or materials to craft your own mallets.
Step-by-Step Construction
Selecting and Preparing the Wood
Wood Selection: Choose hardwood pieces that are free of knots, cracks, and other defects. The wood should be dried properly to avoid warping or cracking during the construction process.
Cutting the Wood: Using a table saw, cut the wood into strips of uniform width, typically around 3.8 centimeters (although this can be adjusted based on preference). Wear safety glasses and ear protection to guard against flying debris and loud noises. Sand the edges of each strip to remove any rough spots.
Determining the Lengths of the Bars
The length of each xylophone bar determines its pitch. The bars are arranged from the longest (lowest pitch) to the shortest (highest pitch). Typical lengths for a seven-bar xylophone might be:
- 21.9 cm
- 21.1 cm
- 20.5 cm
- 19.7 cm
- 18.9 cm
- 17.3 cm
- 16.3 cm
Measure and mark each piece accurately before cutting to length.
Adjusting the Thickness of the Bars
The thickness of the bars also affects their pitch. Generally, thicker bars produce higher pitches, while thinner bars produce lower pitches. However, tuning relies more heavily on thickness adjustments than solely on length.
Initial Thickness: Start by planning all bars to a relatively uniform thickness. This will provide a baseline from which to make adjustments.
Thickness Adjustment: Use a belt sander or thickness planer to adjust the thickness of each bar individually. Since tuning by thickness is more precise, carefully sand each bar until it produces the desired pitch when tapped. It may be helpful to have a tuning fork or electronic tuner to check the pitch accurately.
Creating the Frame
The frame supports the xylophone bars and ensures they remain in place during play.
Designing the Frame: Decide on the overall size and shape of the frame. It should be sturdy enough to support the bars without flexing or warping.
Constructing the Frame: Cut pieces of wood for the sides and crossbars of the frame. Drill holes at even intervals along the sides to accommodate the xylophone bars. Use wood glue and screws or dowels to assemble the frame securely.
Attaching the Bars: Insert the xylophone bars into the holes in the frame. Use wood glue to secure them in place, and clamp the frame until the glue dries. Alternatively, you can use screws or dowels to fasten the bars to the frame for added stability.
Making the Mallets
The mallets are essential for playing the xylophone. They should be made of a soft, dense wood that provides a good balance between rebound and cushioning.
Choosing the Wood: Suitable woods for mallets include maple, oak, or beech. The handles can be made of a harder wood for durability.
Shaping the Mallets: Cut the wood into rectangular blocks and shape them into mallet heads using a bandsaw or sanding block. The heads should be slightly rounded to provide a comfortable striking surface.
Attaching the Handles: Drill a hole through the center of each mallet head and insert a wooden dowel or stick for the handle. Secure the handle in place with wood glue, and allow it to dry before use.
Finishing the Mallets: Sand the mallets smooth and apply a protective finish, such as shellac or varnish, to prevent splintering and improve durability.
Fine-Tuning and Playability
Once the xylophone is assembled, it’s essential to fine-tune each bar to ensure accurate pitch. Use a tuning fork or electronic tuner to check each bar’s pitch and make adjustments as necessary by sanding the bar’s surface until it reaches the correct pitch.
Additionally, consider adding resonators or resonance tubes beneath each bar to enhance the sound. These can be made of metal or plastic and should be tuned to match the pitch of the corresponding bar.
Conclusion
Making a xylophone from wood is a rewarding project that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and musicality. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a beautiful and functional xylophone that will provide years of enjoyment and musical expression.
